《抱朴子外篇》Vol. 10

Ge Hong (Daoist name Baopuzi) expounds on the principles of governance and talent utilization in the tenth chapter of Baopuzi Outer Chapters:

The reason the South Sea can form a bottomless abyss is because thousands of rivers converge within it; the mysterious garden of Mount Kunlun (legendary abode of immortals) towers into the clouds through the accumulation of countless stones. Just as a tall building requires many beams and pillars to reach the heavens, and a wheel needs both curved spokes and a straight axle to function—all things in creation have their proper uses.

Wise rulers understand this principle: when capable ministers like the "Eight Yuan and Eight Kai" (sixteen virtuous officials of Emperor Shun's legend) are employed, their transformative influence resonates between heaven and earth; when strategists capable of decisive victory fill the court, treacherous elements contending for power will cease. This explains why Shun and Yu governed effortlessly, and why Duke Ling of Wei, despite his extravagance, avoided the collapse of his state.

With collective strength, even a weight of ten thousand jun can be lifted; through pooled wisdom, the most complex affairs can be managed. Like the centipede that remains upright after death, a state abundant in talent will not easily perish even in turmoil. Yet we must recognize: a sword cannot sew clothes, an awl is unfit for chopping, oxen and horses don't guard homes, chickens and dogs cannot pull carts. By employing each according to their strengths, tasks succeed; by avoiding their weaknesses, no person in the world remains useless.